Commenting on the publication of the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill, Anastassia Beliakova, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Businesses will expect this Bill to provide continuity and alignment with the Union Customs Code, and help establish future customs cooperation with the EU. But it is also imperative that the government consults with business on how to improve our customs procedures as we leave the European Union.

“Firms tell us that they want clarity on the future of the UK’s VAT regime, and what our exit from the EU will mean for cross-border liabilities. HMRC must be given more resources, and adopt a clear focus on customer service, to enable them to support exporters and importers as they navigate the UK’s exit from the EU.”